What is it?
The AutoDM strategy is all about sending hands-free messages to invite your social media followers to subscribe to your newsletter.
You can set up tools like ManyChat so that whenever someone leaves a comment on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc., you instantly shoot them a friendly direct message.
Thank them for tapping in, maybe share a little about what they can expect from your newsletter, and make it stupidly easy for them to subscribe right then and there with a link.
The Good and the Bad
Examples of how to crush it
The Rundown
Rowan is using AutoDM approach on Twitter to rapidly grow his AI newsletter.
He starts by teasing an enticing freebie - in this case, an advanced ChatGPT cheat sheet. But to get it, people need to like, retweet, follow him, and comment "AI" on the initial tweet.
This manufacturing of engagement is brilliant, as it signals to Twitter's algorithm that the tweet is high-quality. So Twitter then prioritizes showing Rowan's tweet to more people, creating a viral cycle where it keeps getting more visibility.
From there, Rowan has an automated direct message sequence firing off to everyone who comments "AI", essentially opting them in to receive the freebie.
In these automated DMs, he shares the link to download the cheat sheet as promised. But crucially, he also requires their email address to access the resource.
Rowan now has the opportunity to convert a big chunk of those warm leads into new newsletter subscriptions. They've self-identified as interested in the broader topic, so signing up for his related newsletter is a no-brainer next step.
Up The Gains
Sammie Ellard-King is employing a very similar AutoDM strategy to grow his personal finance brand "Up the Gains" on Instagram.
He hooks people's attention with an educational, value-packed Instagram Reel about the benefits of investing over just saving money long-term.
In the caption, he provides a ton of helpful info and insights around his main points. This long-form content further demonstrates his expertise.
At the end, he includes a call-to-action telling people to comment "LOVE" if they want him to send a free training video about investing in index funds.
Then, Sammie sends an automated DM with access to the training as promised.
And like with the Rundown example, this resource is gated with an email opt-in.
